How to Stop Windows 11 From Automatically connecting to a Wi-Fi

Do you want to disable auto-connect to unknown Wi-Fi networks Windows 11? Meanwhile, an open Wi-Fi network might jeopardize your data and system, especially if your system connects to multiple networks whenever they become accessible. You can prevent your computer from automatically connecting to adjacent networks, putting you and your data in danger. So, in this Windows tutorial, you’re going to learn how to stop Windows 11 from automatically connecting to a Wi-Fi network.

In the meantime, Windows 11 has tools that allow you to instantly connect to a Wi-Fi network. If necessary, you may disable this feature so that Windows does not connect to particular Wi-Fi networks automatically.

When you tell Windows not to connect to a Wi-Fi network automatically, it will remember your password, but it will not connect automatically when your computer is in range. Only when you actively begin the connection will your PC be linked to that Wi-Fi network. If you’ve already connected to a public Wi-Fi network but don’t want to rejoin automatically the next time you’re in range, this option comes in useful.

Stop Windows 11 from Automatically Connecting to a Wi-Fi Network

There are different methods that you can stop this automatic connection feature in Windows 11.

Here are the methods:

Method 1. Use Action Center to Stop Automatic Connection

• Press Windows + A to open Action Center.
• Click the arrow next to the connected Wi-Fi network.

Click the arrow

• Select Disconnect.

Disconnect

• Uncheck the box next to Connect automatically option.

Uncheck the box next to Connect automatically

Method 2. Stop Automatically Connecting to a Wi-Fi Network in Windows 11 via Settings

The technique outlined above works great, but you won’t be able to see a specific network on the Wi-Fi connection panel in the Quick Settings menu if you aren’t in range of it. As a result, you’ll have to use the Settings app to change the connection behavior.

Press Windows key + I to open Settings directly.

Select Network & internet from the left pane when Windows Settings appears. On the right-side pane, click the Wi-Fi.

Wi-Fi

On the Wi-Fi settings pane, select Manage known networks.

Manage known networks

Here you’ll find a list of all the Wi-Fi networks you’ve previously connected to. Find the Wi-Fi network you don’t want to join automatically and click it.

Finally, uncheck the box next to Connect automatically when in range.

Uncheck the box next to Connect automatically when in range

If you don’t have any further tasks to do, you can close the Settings app. Changes will be automatically saved. When that Wi-Fi network is in range again, it will not immediately connect. You may, however, manually link them if you prefer.

That’s it. These were the 2 methods to stop automatically connecting to a Wi-Fi network in Windows 11.

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